What is community supported agriculture (CSA)?

It’s a weekly subscription with a local farmer during the growing seasons. CSA’s are a way for people living in cities to support local agriculture and enhance their lives with produce that is usually organic and always fresh. In Arizona, the growing seasons are typically from September or October through April or May. CSA’s are run by small farmers who grow a large variety of crops, so there are also a variety of products in each week’s bounty. Some CSA’s offer additional items such as eggs, dairy, baked goods, and meat. Most of them include a letter about the week’s fruits and vegetables as well as recipes.

How does it work?

Members sign up for the year and pick up their share of the harvest on a weekly basis at locations in the city. The food is usually harvested the day before or the morning it is delivered, and membership fees are commonly paid by the season or by the month.

CSA’s are great for the environment and the community. Supporting a CSA supports the local economy by providing a means for small farmers to support their families. Since they are usually organic and follow biodynamic farming methods, they also protect land surrounding our community. CSA’s often have events during the season where members are invited to visit the farm. It’s a great way for your children to learn about food production, quality, and protecting the environment.

Where can I sign up?
There are currently six Maricopa County CSA’s:

Whole Earth CSA
Local Harvest CSA Info for the Whole Earth Farm
Whole Earth CSA is a collaboration of three local growers cultivating both a farm and a garden in the West Valley of Phoenix, AZ. Our weekly all naturally grown vegetable deliveries serve the otherwise relatively isolated frontiers of the West Valley all the way to Downtown Phoenix.

Maya's Farm (Maya Dailey)
Local Harvest CSA Info for Maya's Farm
Pick-up locations: The Farm at Sth Mtn, 6106 S 32nd St Phoenix 85042 or the Phoenix Downtown Farmer's Market

Desert Roots Farm, Queen Creek
http://www.desertrootsfarm.com/
Partnering with Crooked Sky Farms, they offer a diverse selection of veggies, fruits and herbs year round. You can purchase whole or half shares by the season (summer, fall, winter, spring).
Pick-up locations around the Maricopa County (see their web site for details) as well as home delivery to Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Tempe for an extra fee.

Crooked Sky Farms (Frank the Farmer), Glendale
http://www.crookedskyfarms.com
Crooked Sky Farms maintains several farm plots around the Phoenix area, strategically located to provide a variety of growing conditions. He has lots of native and heirloom crops.
Pick-up locations: Art Institute of Phoenix, Avondale, and Tempe

Love Grows Farms
http://www.lovegrowsfarms.com
Naturally grown produce favored by many of the area's chef's. Pick-up locations at the farm in Mesa and in north Phoenix at the Road Runner Park Farmer's Market.

Tonopah Rob's Vegetable Farm Shares are packed Saturday mornings, using fresh fruits and vegetables that have been harvested only days prior. Some subscribers organize weekly rotations where a designated person drives out to the farm to collect several members’ shares and then delivers them within that particular community. email tonopahrob1@msn.com for further details or to sign up.